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Dealing with bites
Over the last couple of weeks, several individuals have expressed frustrations over insect bites and ticks. Therefore, I thought it was a great idea to provide everyone with a few tidbits of information about dealing with bites.
First, it is important to realize that some individuals are allergic to insect bites. If a person is stung and has a rash develop over most of their body, has trouble breathing, feels dizzy, feels sick, throws up or has chest pains, then it warrants a trip to the emergency room (and/or calling 911).
Bites and stings can make your skin red and itchy for up to five days. Try not to scratch the bite/sting because it can become infected. If you think you have been bitten or stung, take the time to wash the area. Once you have washed it, cool the skin by placing an ice pack on it for 20 minutes, removing it for five minutes and repeating the process. Lastly, keep the part of the body that was bit or stung raised up to help cut down on the swelling.
If you find a tick on you, then use a pair of tweezers to get it off. To remove it properly, take the tweezers and find the tick’s mouthpart, then lightly apply pressure and pull the tick up slowly and steadily. Once you have the tick removed, dispose of it in a sealable plastic bag in the trash outside your home. I would also suggest keeping the tick in the sealable plastic bag for a few days before disposing of it, that way if the individual develops a rash or gets sick, you will have the tick there and can show it to the doctor.
Make sure you are looking closely for ticks, as several individuals have reported the ticks are tiny and very difficult to see this year.
Here are some helpful hints on how to prevent bites and stings: When outside, try to wear dull-colored clothing (brightly colored clothes actually attract insects). Likewise, avoid wearing perfumes. If you see an insect, do not swat it away. When you swat an insect away, you are more likely to annoy it and cause it to retaliate in an effort to defend itself.
Using an insect repellent is another good way to help avoid bug bites and stings. When selecting what insecticide to use, read the label to ensure you are applying it properly. Try to select an insect repellent that contains DEET at a level less than 10 percent. When applying the insecticide, do not apply it to any youth under two years of age or on anyone’s hands, mouths or eyes. Once you are done outside, remember to change clothes and wash your skin that has been exposed to the insecticide.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available upon request.
Upcoming Events
June 29 – Walking group, 9 a.m., Big Walnut Sports Park
June 30 – Summer Soil Health PARP, 9 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds, $10 for credit, register at https://tinyurl.com/SummerPARP
July 14 – ServSafe one-day class and online exam, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds, register at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops
July 19 – Fall Gardening - Reaping the Benefits of Cool Weather webinar, noon, register at https://tinyurl.com/WIAWebinars21
July 23-30 – Putnam County 4-H Fair